One of the keys to having a successful handchime program is the repertoire that you choose. Handbell literature is used with handchimes however, not all music written for handbells can be rung on handchimes. Two main factors to consider are:
- Tempo – Because of the pure tone and resonance of handchimes along with their design, moderate tempos are most desirable on handchimes. The mellow tone of handchimes takes a bit longer to “speak” than handbells. Quicker tempos will also cause the handchimes to sound too percussive with undesirable sounds of the attack of the clapper head. Quicker tempos can also lead to incomplete damping which will cause unwanted dissonance.
- Ringing Techniques – Not all ringing techniques and articulations that are performed on handbells may be performed on handchimes due to the design and fragile nature of the tines of the handchime tube. The following techniques that may be used are: Ring, Damp, Finger Damp, Gyro, LV, Swing, Vibrato and a Mallet Strike (while the handchime is held) in the air. Click here to learn more about ringing techniques on handchimes. Other considerations in choosing repertoire for a musical result are:
Octaves Used and Assignments
Each piece in handbell literature designates the size set of instruments for which it is written. Be sure to choose repertoire that your number of ringers can play musically rather than by the set of instruments you have available. For instance, if you own a three octave (37 note) set of handchimes but only have 8 ringers, choose music written for 2 or 2 – 3 octaves to ensure that your group can ring musically and not “juggle” instruments just to “get” all the notes. Once you have chosen a piece, the director should prepare the score and assign the handchimes so that all notes can be rung musically. Learn more about handbell assignments here.
Level
Handbell music is graded by six different levels so that it is easier for a director to choose repertoire. Directors are encouraged to choose music levels that meet the skills of their ringers so that musical results are met and that the ringers have an opportunity to enjoy their own performance. To learn more about the Handbell Difficulty Level System, click here.
Genre and Topic of Music
When choosing a score, take in to account the age and experience of your ringers as well as their personalities. Consider that perhaps based on life experiences, adults may relate to a somber piece better than a child. With training, almost any age should be able to ring almost anything but sometimes, it is best to meet your group at their comfort level to create success and introduce the unknown as your group progresses.
Composers and Arrangers
Do you have experience with a piece that “rang itself off the page?” If so, it may be the skills of the arranger/composer. Ringing a piece by someone who really understands the instrument makes all the difference in the world! Look to other compositions they have scored for further success!
For suggestions of repertoire that your handchime ensemble will enjoy and meet ringing success with, browse the titles that we, at ChimeWorks, recommend!